[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 46, Volume 4] [Revised as of October 1, 2006] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 46CFR108.160] [Page 125] TITLE 46_SHIPPING (This book contains parts 90 to 139) CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) PART 108_DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT--Table of Contents Subpart B_Construction and Arrangement Sec. 108.160 Vertical ladders. (a) Each vertical ladder must have rungs that are-- (1) At least 41 centimeters (16 inches) in length; (2) Not more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) apart, uniform for the length of the ladder; and (3) At least 18 centimeters (7 inches) from the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder. (b) Except when unavoidable obstructions are encountered, there must be at least 11.5 centimeters (4\1/2\ inches) clearance above each rung. (c) Except as provided in Sec. 108.540(h)(3)(ii), each exterior vertical ladder more than 6 meters (20 ft.) in length must be fitted with a cage or ladder safety device meeting ANSI Standard 14.3 (1974) for fixed ladders. (d) No vertical fixed ladders may be made of wood. [CGD 73-251, 43 FR 56808, Dec. 4, 1978, as amended by USCG-2002-13058, 67 FR 61279, Sept. 30, 2002]